Page:Robert Carter- his life and work. 1807-1889 (IA robertcarterhis00coch).pdf/61

Rh was looking about through the business portions of the city for a store suitable for his new venture. He found one on the corner of Canal and Laurens Streets, which he took for the 1st of April. He had saved just six hundred dollars, a small sum with which to launch out simultaneously in business and matrimony. He heard of an insolvent bookseller on Cortlandt Street, who had advertised for sale his stock in trade, and he went to him and offered his six hundred dollars, which was accepted, and he was ready to start in business as soon as he returned from his wedding trip.

Mr. Thomson gave his daughter a house and furniture, and they set up their simple housekeeping. It took great faith and courage in the young bride, who had been used to comfort and luxury, to start in life with such indefinite prospects; but she felt her husband to be no ordinary man, and her confidence in him was not misplaced. The young people were resolved that nothing should ever tempt them to run in debt in the smallest degree, and they resolved also, that if possible they should lay by something every year; and this they always succeeded in doing, though it required the most rigid economy, especially as they always extended a very liberal helping hand to the father’s household in Saratoga County. Mr. Carter had one of the younger brothers to help him in the business, and at different times he had four of his brothers with him.

The very first day his store was opened, a woman came in, and asked for a Bible. He showed her his stock, and she chose out a handsome copy, and asked its price. He was not yet familiar with his price list, and answered at random, “Seventy-five cents.” “That is wonderfully cheap,” said she, and at once paid for it. After she had gone, Mr. Carter looked up the list, and